We were lucky enough to sit down with Sara Mokonen, cast as Katherine in Intermission Youth’s Taming Who? at the Arcola Theatre (30 November – 14 December).
Taming Who? is coming up at the Arcola Theatre later this month. What should people coming to the show expect?
Taming Who? Is set in a university, the plot follows Hortensio, Gremio & Lucentios quest to win Bianca’s heart, however the centre of this play revolves around the explosive and turbulent relationship between Pertruchio and Katherine. Pertruchio needs to find a wife ASAP so he can stay in the UK and the unruly Kate is his victim. Only problem is, Katherine is adamant that she does ‘not want a man’ (or so she says) but Pertruchio is convinced he can Tame her. The question is, will he succeed?
The audience can expect to feel uncomfortable at times, as we hold a mirror up to some of society’s questionable norms. Yet find humour in the silly and fast past wit between all the characters. There is definitely something for everyone to take away from this production and hopefully will spark all the important conversations.
How do you think audiences will be able to relate to this story?
‘Taming Who?’ is an adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Taming of the Shrew’ and like all of Shakespeare’s plays, explores themes we can all relate to today.
This particular production explores themes that people of today can most definitely relate to such as cultural identity, gender roles, sibling rivalry and the relationships amongst young people.I do think men will relate differently to this play, to the way perhaps women will. There are challenging and outrageous things that happen in Taming Who and all of us would like to believe that we are no longer living in a society that accepts misogynist behaviours. The truth is it still exists and overtly and hopefully this play will remind us all that we still have work to do.
Even if some audience members don’t relate to the characters or story there will be elements of the play that will definitely reflect our world.
Tell us about your character in Taming Who?
I will be playing the role of Katherine who embarks in a fast paced complicated romance with Pertruchio. Katherine is Bold and assertive yet also delicate, sensitive and somewhat insecure. Most people misunderstand Katherine’s personality as difficult, mean & undesirable, except for Petruchio.
When Kate meets Petruchio for the first time, their chemistry is undeniable, Katherine has finally met her match and is immediately involved with Pertruchio but does not realise what she has got herself into until the end. Kate just wants to be listened to, and loved for who she is. Don’t we all?
How are you preparing for the role and what will be the biggest challenge for you?
We are well into rehearsals and working with our director and the cast has been great! We have been having intense discussions and debates highlighting the themes and the world of this play. The biggest challenge so far has been finding my character. Katherine is a complex character who goes on a huge journey in a short span of time, so it is important to me that the audience can immerse themselves on this ride with her.
This production is part of Intermission Youth’s 15th Anniversary celebrations. Now you are working professionally in the industry, how does it feel to be returning for this graduate production.
It feels great, Intermission has played a huge part in my life and career which I am thankful for. I’m really excited to be returning to the stage with this company and other graduates that I have come up with to celebrate this wonderful milestone.
What impact has being part of Intermission Youth made on your life?
Intermission was the first place I attended when I wanted to get into acting. I gained incredible training from Darren Raymond which is a testament to my career and has led me to go on to do incredible things in the industry. Intermission is a big fat family which is why we are able to remain close. I feel very blessed being part of this community and to have somewhere to go to not just for support but also to share lovely memories which is something a lot of creatives lack and miss out on in this industry.
What advice would you give to someone who loves theatre but doesn’t have the finances to go to drama school etc.?
Apply to Intermission!
Who or what are your inspirations for working in theatre?
Sophie Okenedo has inspired me for years, she was amongst the few British female actors that I could watch and see myself in, and believe it was a possibility to also be on the world’s stage and screen.
Tell us something no one knows about you?
Italian was my first language!
Taming Who? is a special production which is one of two plays taking place at the Arcola Theatre during November and December which marks Intermission Youth’s 15th Anniversary celebrations. For more information about this show and Excluded, their second production – https://www.intermissionyouththeatre.co.uk/whats-on